Holiday Gift Ideas

For the Outdoor Lovers in Your Life

The holiday seasons are near, and family members are already asking, "What do you want for Christmas?" Oh, to be a kid again with my Christmas wish list! Is there someone on your holiday gift list who loves the outdoors and could use some new piece of camping gear? If so, here are some ideas that may help you finish your holiday shopping.

For those new to camping

•sleeping bags - the first consideration for all beginning campers is having a warm and cozy place to sleep. Don't skimp on quality, and if you're buying for a kid, buy them an adult bag, because it will probably last them for many years to come.

•sleeping pads - if they've already got a sleeping bag, or if you can afford to spend a little more on presents, get them the next camping item they'll want that will improve the quality of their sleeping outdoors.

•tents - next on a basic camper's checklist will likely be a tent. Give consideration to the number of people they'll be camping with to determine the size. And if they're backpackers, look specifically for lightweight 1 or 2 person tents. Otherwise look in the category of family tents.

•cook stoves - food always tastes good when it is cooked outdoors. Consider a 2 burner propane stove. They're easier to use, produce a hotter flame, and are more compact than typical fuel stoves. If they've already got the stove, maybe they could use a carrying bag, one that also holds two propane bottles.

•lanterns - again, campers are migrating to the propane models versus the fuel lanterns. Flashlights are nice for emergencies, but can get rather expensive with the cost of batteries when used for prolonged lighting.

For those with new families

•family tents - your kids have grown and now don't have enough room in their 2-person tent for themselves plus the new family member. Get your kids a bigger family tent so that they can share with their kids the same wonders that you introduced them to.

•cooking utensils - as the family grows, so too do the needs to prepare larger meals. You can never go wrong by giving utensils that will gladly be used by those who delight in the art of outdoor cooking.

•outdoor clothes - we all know how fast kids can go through clothes. You grandparents will be doing your own kids a favor should you consider giving the grandkids some special clothes for future summer adventures: jeans/shorts, hiking shoes/boots, rain gear, day packs, or SPF clothing.

For those with everything

•screen rooms - a nice luxury that can be a life-saver in buggy locations is a screen room that allows you to relax outdoors away from pests and out of the sun.

•portable grills - great for camping, tailgate parties, and picnics. One of these would be appreciated by any outdoor chef.

•Swiss Army knives - what else needs to be said? These knives are synonymous with camping.

•shower bags - these inexpensive black plastic bags are a blessing when camping somewhere without hot showers.

•Dutch ovens - for the gourmet in your family, these make great presents for anyone who loves to bake and wants to try it at the campground.